The story of Cleopatra has fascinated many. She captured the hearts of powerful men with her intelligent mind, and then controlled them with her beauty and seduction.Like most women, Cleopatra understood the importance of personal health and wellness. In the world today, both men and women are constantly meeting the needs of everyday stresses — maintaining health and wellness remains paramount to success.

Models; Hanna Radko, Michael Radko & Mona Busta

We all deserve to feel like Royalty. We all deserve to live a life of luxury. Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy has everything you want to meet your needs and to bring together the mind, body and spirit.Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy is created by Co-founder, Pharmacist Lloyd Barran, with a highly educated understanding of healing, he studied the chemistry of natural oils and herbs. With the purpose of providing basic essential care and nutrients to our bodies, both for beauty and for wellness.These products have been developed for and brought to market by Co-founder Judith Barran.

Model Hanna Radko, Co-founder Judith Barran & Model Mona Busta

Products include everything from a Youth Serum, to Muscle and Joint Pain Relief. With all your Beauty and Body needs, Essence of Cleopatra's Signature Blends and Synergies will be your key to health, healing and happiness. Aromatherapy has continued to evolve, becoming a standard in every household. It is time you begin to enjoy the benefits of ancient history in a modern form.After discovering the magic of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy you will want to share your beauty and wellness experience with friends and family.

See the products that have so many people excited and thrilled to use. Explore the website to learn of the extensive products to help so many common and uncommon ailments and beauty concerns. The excellence and expertise of these products has been evolving since 1999 to give you an extraordinary experience.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Debra Ross has a passion for life. One of her life long passions has been a love of cars.

Below are some of her adventures with hot fast cars this past couple of years.

This opening trailer explains her vision for the future and desire to bring more adventures to life as she lives, loves and laughs. Join Debra in her journey to capture places and people of intrigue and influence.

This is a recent trip to Finland with Bentley to perfect her driving skills on ice. A skill she put to the test on a recent road trip back from Vancouver.

This is a recent trip to Arizona to perfect her racing skills where she obtained her SCCA rating. Sports car Club of America. When it comes to fast cars, training from the greats is key to confidence and competency.

This is a recent trip to Monterey Car Week, featuring Cannery Row and Pebble Beach - Concours d Elegance. By far the best hosts were Bentley and Mercedes, both treat us with grace. The unveiling at Mercedes was world class.

This is a recent trip to Vancouver where Debra and Cara went to pick up a Classic! So many moments didn't make it to tape. Like Debra sweet talking the security that wasn't to pleased with the donuts in the parking lot but then told us we could go up to the old airport and play around on the runways. Always good to befriend the locals.

Monday, April 24, 2017

What is Math?

Math has no widely accepted definition. Different schools of thought, particularly in philosophy, have put forth radically different definitions. All are somewhat controversial.Seriously!?We wonder why students can't connect with math, why the work-avoidence? Mathematics are so abstract and complicated even science can't come up with a clear definition.Here's my theory, math is about patterns and shapes. Scientists, in particular mathematicians, use numbers and letters to articulate and decode everything from simple to complex formulas and calculations that explain everything from atoms to art, everything in reality and beyond.

In Communications everything begins with a Hook. The Attention Getter. When teaching Math, Students, humans need to connect with a prior knowledge that speaks to every students inner core which is capable of meeting the academic, behavioural, emotional, physical and social diversity of todays classrooms.It is our role as educators to stimulate the brain through use of authentic activity. To model prosocial behaviour that Math does belong. It belongs in Culture, in the Classroom, in the Community and in the minds of Critical thinkers.

I chose 2 videos of the Fibonacci Sequence, as it is the fundamental basis of Mathematics in Nature and speaks to the Golden Ratio in Math. This view and representation of something very complex and abstract connects to everything.The multiple representation of Fibonacci's Sequence will hopefully help move this knowledge from sensory register, to short term and then into long term memory. Creating an equilibration with the simplicity of this philosophy so as it can be recalled regularly. Sparking and transferring a new passion for mathematics and keen understanding that math is truly everything, everywhere, and a part of everyday life.

Motivation, specifically situated motivation is key when learning. Something the very best teachers do is connect new ideas, abstract concepts to intrinsic motivation, even emotion, perhaps a preexisting interest.Not all students are children but even children are struggling with to much fat in their body mass. Statically speaking, humans are carrying more un healthy weight on their bones than ever before. It is well documented the impact excess fat has on our ability to be well, the negative affect on our health. Todays Educators have a social responsibility to to help construct, develop and create an environment where students have a aptitude for wellness.Watch and learn, the video below explains the mathematical formula to weight loss. It even explains why some people are not able to lose weight no matter how much diet and exercise they get. I was overjoyed to learn the reality behind weight loss and how it could be achieved by doing what I do every moment of everyday. I just need to do it better with cognition and purpose.

Why not teach Math in Health class? Funny enough, even within different genders, different hormones have mathematical formulas and ratios.There is so much I could say about this video below, hoping it sparks hot cognition in those that choose to view it. I am hoping you all identify on some level using your intellect as I did. Who knew complex romantic relationships are as simple as an abstract math equation?In terms of education there is the need to Engage the Learner. Forget about your parents, your peers, your performance anxiety... This is about the importance of self; actualization, assessment, concept, determination, efficacy, esteem, evaluation, fulfilling prophecies, handicapping, instruction, motivating, observing, questioning, regulation, talk and last but not least self-worth...

When living life in colour sometimes we need to break the rules and take risks. Reconstruct and reflect, possibly even create a sub-culture. Mathematics is one of those areas that we all need to rethink.For those of you that know me as a lover of linguistics, note I have used all 6 of the Language Arts in this document; view and representation, reading and writing, and speaking and listening.Now if I could just figure out how to solve the problem, using scientific reasoning of turning dark matter into usable energy by way of creating an aesthetically pleasing calculation and formula...

Saturday, February 4, 2017

When we think of Multiple Intelligence, often Gardner's Theory comes to mind. I, however, have decided to research intelligence from the perspective that there are many types of intelligence. I will identify additional forms and applications of intelligence that are present in humans. While researching intelligence I discovered there are multiple definitions. Even with the desire to define intelligence, the first researchers and theorists were unable to conclude a comprehensive definition. Instead, they agreed upon factors that defined the make-up of intelligence.

In 1904 Charles Spearman was the first theorist to attempt to define General Intelligence, today know as the 'g' factor. He did so by way of a statement regarding how to best measure intelligence. His statement "As regards the delicate matter of estimating 'Intelligence', the guiding principle to not make any prior assumptions as to what kind of mental activity may be thus termed with greatest proprietary. Provisionally, at any rate the aim was to empirically to examine all the various abilities having any first appearance claims to such title ascertaining their relations to one another and to other functions."(Spearman, 1904).

'g' Factor

In 1905 Alfred Binet devised a test to measure intelligence. His simple definition of Intelligence was the ability to make sensible judgements. In 1916 Lewis Madison Therman of the University of Stanford created The Stanford Intelligence Test, Therman defined Intelligence, as the ability to think in terms of abstract ideas. (W.D. Halsey & L.Shores, 1977).

Intelligent Quotient first coined in 1914 by William Stern

When we consider abstract ideas we are using intelligence. Paiget believed that the ability to think abstractly wasn't present until the age of Formal Operations Stage; therefore, the correlation of thought was that humans aren't able to possess Intelligence until after the age of 12 and develop the ability to make sensible judgements until reaching adulthood. We know today this is simply not true; intelligence is both present by hereditary and environmental factors. We know today that there is the possibility to increase IQ by simply nurturing children. As an Educator it is essential to have metacognition, and be aware that Education must be delivered in a manner that speaks to each inner core of the students it is trying to serve. The importance of a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that meets a multitude of intelligences cannot be over looked or underestimated.

Nurture of ones Nature delivered in an Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Extensive research concludes it is beyond simple hereditary disposition to have intelligence, and that the more important factor is in the environment. Interesting to note, identical twins raised in the same environment often score similar on tests, while identical twins raised in separate environments are much less likely to score similar results. Although a child with high hereditary abilities to think with cognition will by nature possess intelligence, if raised in a socioeconomic environment that does not offer the ability to improve and garner more knowledge; with the opportunity to read books, have positive intelligent visual input, hear adults conversing with metacognition, and are unable to experience a variety of environments with limited exposure to ethnic culture, will experience a decline in mental potential. By contrast, students raised in a nurturing environment conducive of these factors will see continued growth in IQ, not only as children but also adults. Intelligence is greatly affected by a dynamic environment and one rich in visual, and auditory aids will assist mental intelligence.

Raymond Cattell (1941) proposed two types of cognitive abilities; Fluid intelligence (Gf) was hypothesized as the ability to solve novel problems by using reasoning, and Crystallized intelligence (Gc) was hypothesized as a knowledge-based ability that was very dependent on education and experience.

The importance of a keen understanding of individual students intelligence is often over looked in our educational system today. Unfortunately IQ and determination of intelligence has been deemed as only necessary and applicable in Special Needs Students. I however would debate that all students are special and would benefit from identification of strengths and weakness. All Educators would best able to serve the different needs of a child if a keen understanding of their relative learning ability was known. A summative assessment revealing the ability to make choices in both abstract and concrete environments would contribute to the cognition involved in creating a UDL classroom that meets the needs all of students. By nature, Individual Intelligence Testing is designed to measure performance with relation to literacy, numerology, visual/mental ability, missing parts cognition and a physical ability to recall and present information using pictures. Group Testing typically includes multiple choice questions within an allotted time frame.

There are many types of IQ Test availible today, are you Mensa?

The creation of the Intelligence Quotient test enables discovery of a persons mental age in relation to their chronological age with use of a mathematical formula of Mental Age over Chronological age times 100. Thereby offering a determination of Mental growth that can be identified as Very Superior, Superior, High Average, Average, Low Average, Borderline and Extremely Low. (Andrew M. Colman, 2015) These terms are accurate in authentic reflection of current abilities and offer honest knowledge to an Educator when designing a classroom environment for optimal growth. It is important to understand that IQ is not stable and scores have a variable rate of up to 10 points. It will also rise and fall within a persons life time, and the impact of environment is an ongoing consideration. Within time as short as a week and as long as a life time, IQ testing will only estimate a persons intelligence. There by it is also essential to be cognitively aware of the absolute importance and impact of learning environment from moment to moment, and the ability to work hard and focus.

Intelligence takes a metacognition of consistent effort and focus in dynamic environments.

Much like humans ability to evolve with environment and metacognition so has the conversation of intelligence. Today there is a much broader definition and understanding of what and how intelligence is identified and valued. Many phycologists have witness and noted intellectual abilities in many forms. Raymond Cattell Theory; Quantitative reasoning(Gq) is the ability to comprehend quantitative concepts and relationships and to manipulate numerical symbols,Reading and writingability (Grw) includes basic reading and writing skills, Short-term memory (Gsm) is the ability to apprehend and hold information in immediate awareness, and then use it within a few seconds, Long-term storage and retrieval (Glr) is the ability to store information and fluently retrieve it later in the process of thinking, Visual processing (Gv) is the ability to perceive, analyze, synthesize, and think with visual patterns, including the ability to store and recall visual representations, Auditory processing (Ga) is the ability to analyze, synthesize, and discriminate auditory stimuli, including the ability to process and discriminate speech sounds that may be presented under distorted conditions, Processing speed (Gs) is the ability to perform automatic cognitive tasks, particularly when measured under pressure to maintain focused attention, Decision/reaction time/speed (Gt) reflects the immediacy with which an individual can react to stimuli or a task (typically measured in seconds or fractions of seconds; it is not to be confused with Gs, which typically is measured in intervals of 2–3 minutes).

More factors and theories, including the impact of personality.

Gardner was on of the first modern theorist to expand on intellectual capabilities. His theory of Multiple Intelligence includes; Linguistic - the ability to use language effectively, Logical-Mathematical - the ability to reason logically regarding mathematics and science, Spatial - the ability to notice details of what one sees and to imagine and manipulate visual objects in ones mind, Musical - the ability to create, comprehend and appreciate music Bodily-Kinesthethic - the ability to use ones body skillfully, Interpersonal - the ability to notice subtle aspects of others peoples behaviours, Intrapersonal - the awareness of ones own feelings, and Naturalist - the ability to recognize patterns in nature and differences among various life forms and species. (Hoerr, 2010)

Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligence

Merriam-Webster's medical definition of Intelligence, 1a: the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations b:the ability to apply knowledge to manipulated one environment to think abstractly as measured by criteria 2: mental acuteness. (Merriam-Webster's first dictionary, Ruth Heller (2012). Other unscholarly definitions include; a person's cognitive abilities to learn, the power of knowing and understanding information received, and the ability to solve problems rationally and to modify behaviour with changes in the environment. Intelligence is also associated with intellectual functioning, school performance, IQ, logic, abstract thought, self awareness, emotional knowledge, memory, planning, creativity, problem solving capabilities, spatial manipulation and language acquisition.

Metacognition is undeniable when it comes to being Intelligent. Always remember to think about what your thinking.

I value Vygotsky'sTheory of Cognitive Development as a major influencer of environment impacting both intrinsic and extrinsic factors essential in mental growth and, as a result contributing to chronological growth of Intelligence. Vygotsky's awareness of Social Cultural Construction and its impact on cognitive development is supported by the history of Intelligence theories. As well Vygotsky's theories surrounding Mediated Learning, Guided Participation, Scaffolding and Apprenticeship are all supported and reflected in both modern and historical principles and theories regarding Intelligence. I believe some of Vygotsky's theories represent a Social Intelligence, I also believe Sternbergs First Dimension also represents a key intellectual ability. Sternberg's Environmental ContextTheory highlights ones ability to adapt behaviour and manipulate environments to fit the needs of participants to create a successful environment. Measuring and testing of Environmental Context Intelligence, much like Social Intelligence, does isolate a specific ability of Intelligence worthy of its own distinction.

Sternberg, even more identified intelligences.

I believe the following theories in their own right are distinctive forms of intelligence.

Social Intelligence - the ability to be keenly aware of social details pertaining to particular community.

Environmental Context Intelligence - the awareness to recognize patterns within and the ability to successfully adapt behaviour in and the manipulation of physical environment.

When I think of the Educational Professional it would be a moot point to believe simple cognition of ones intelligence would be sufficient in creating a self-regulated learner, an awareness as to the learning style best suited to promote and nurture the nature of ones inner core is necessary. Kolb's Learning Style Inventory is a key factor into the application of delivering an effective UDL. The learning style of an individual and as a group must be identified and respected along side the identification of an Intellectual Quotient. Factors such as Initiating, Experiencing, Imagining, Acting, Balancing, Reflecting, Deciding, Thinking and Analyzing (A. Kolb & D. Kolb, 2013) all speak in different ways to each individual and therefore must be cognitively considered and employed when delivering lessons. When a variety of highly effective techniques are used to present new information it sparks motivation and engagement from the students. These valuable techniques promote leadership, deep personal relationships, awareness of others feelings and values, understanding of situations, ability to organize information, logical analysis, goal setting, ability to get things done and flexibility. All these attributes contribute to scaffolding a persons intelligence.

Often humans have a predispostion to find comfort in one area of thought process, however to have metacognition of fliud cognition is the key to Very Superior Intelligence.

The perception of ones Self directly impacts ones ability to achieve Very Superior Intelligence. Students come from all types of socioeconomic environments at home and in the community. Even students from environments seemly conducive to learning struggle with mental illness, physical disabilities and some have other challenges. All students have a right to an Education that supports the mandate to meet personal growth potential. The responsibility of education is beyond just delivering lessons that meet curriculum. Educators have a personal and professional mission to create self-regulated learners that are capable of become citizens of their community. With cognition of Self-actualization a student will have a keen understanding that they have a responsibility to themselves to become their best version of them self. It is important to instill in the developing child the knowledge that we are all different, their best may be very different from someone else. However, they may also have similarities, similarities that are of value in society. With this keen awareness the student will protect themselves and possibly their peers from self-handicapping. Beginning in the classroom managed with a positive and achievable success of lessons and new knowledge the child will begin to develop self-efficacy that fosters resiliency. This resiliency leads to a determination to face challenges with an understanding that motivation, effort and engagement, this will eventually result in solution and mastery. It is import for a developing student to realize the process is an integral part of acquiring knowledge and that it leads to confidence in action.

Self-awareness leads to the ability to have Metacognition without bias.

Once a student has had an opportunity to experience working knowledge of self and success, they build a solid foundation of self-worth. This conscious idea of self-worth affects areas of developing psyche including self-esteem. With a positive self-image and esteem a student is able to work through challenging time of personal change such with positive self-talk, self-monitoring and self-evaluation. These types of self-observations and perceptions will contribute to the students ability to continue to fulfill self-prophesies. The ability to master ones self will contribute greatly to the ability and awareness necessary for a very superior intelligence.

Self-Worth is essential in having the confidence to act on intellect.

With all the efforts, theories and intellectualization regarding intelligence the one thing that is clear and consistently defined is that intelligence is a process defined by ones ability to have a keen awareness, ability to think with metacognition, be creative in problem solving and the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. Intelligence is ever changing and impacted by environment and the nurturing of nature. A very young child identified as gifted with a base mastery of literacy and numeracy will have to possess a consciousness of the importance of continued positive self-worth and a conscious effort to always be willing to adapt new knowledge both by scaffolding and by way of interacting with abstract. It is an Educators privilege to not only teach to curriculum but to contribute to raising a student inclusive of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs; physiological conducive environment, personal safety, a sense of belonging with love, a positive self-esteem that leads to the ability to have cognition of self-actualization.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory

All of these factors, theories and identification of the numerous intelligences allow for a child to grow into an adult with autonomy, with competence in concrete and abstract, and to have relatedness both inter and intra personally within the physical and social environment they are present in. These finite aspects of human development are the catalyst to the awareness and the ability to conduct yourself with an innate desire to be intelligent.

TO BE INTELLIGENT IN ANY FORM IS A COMMITMENT TO BE A LIFE LONG LEARNER.

Live link for 10 Questions if necessary.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

In addition to the explosion of apps, software and screen time in the past decade there has been an opportunity to support student learning through the use of technology.

The TPACK Model successfully supports the use and integration of technology into the classroom. As Education Professionals it is essential that students are taught to understand the way they learn. It is undeniable that students are learning from technology.

A strong movement towards social constructivism has included the philosophy of self-regulation. The ability to self-regulate learning often translates into higher student learning and achievement.The learned ability to proactively take control of learning environments, set goals, implement strategies and monitor progress is achievable with recent software technology.

As an Education Professional it is essential to be cognitively aware that even though a student may be in grade three, their learning ability maybe be somewhat lower or higher than the norm. With the recent movement for all inclusive learning, we know that all students are unique in their ability to learn.

With a deep understanding of Universal Design for Learning, it is a joyful experience to help students scaffold from one learning level to the next. Through the application of UDL an Education Professional will be able to offer a diversified lesson plan that responds to individual differences.

A software website such as Raz-Kids.com has given students first hand accessibility to perceive, store and transform language, learning, and information in a stimulating way that motivates and engages students.Raz-Kids takes students through four phases of self-regulated learning, such as defining the task, setting goals, enacting tasks and utilizing metacognition. The student engages and takes action on this learning all in the form of experience and gamification with out even realizing it.

Raz-Kids is a great example of how an Education Professional could help a student self-regulate their learning and achieve success with motivation and scaffold themselves to a next level.The Raz-Kids website is geared towards K-5 students in the area of Language Arts. It is an excellent software website for Elementary students of all levels regardless of specific placed grade.

Raz-Kids takes a young student from the initial stage of speech to internalizing language which is key for mental cognition, affects and behaviours.

Another technology tool available to support learning is YouTube.com. YouTube has revolutionized our world by providing instant accessibility to knowledge in the form of Video. It is well documented that humans are, by nature, impacted by visual and audio technology. When combined these communication tools are able to entice emotional reaction, reach the inner core and create or change behaviours of the viewer.

This is an example of a YouTube video that supports Language Arts learning and helps to scaffold learning in a division one Elementary student.

As an Education Professional it is essential to understand that students are able to learn at an incredible rate. If a student is able to have their inner core sparked in a safe environment, be willing to learn, take risks and be vulnerable, it is at times astonishing to an adult at the level of rapid success and achievement.

This is why Formative Assessment on a regular basis is so vital. Some software such as Raz-Kids Quiz have this built into the program and use it to scaffold the student. As an Education Professional it is an integral part of the mission to know the effect of the teaching tools and strategies. Therefore a cognitive approach to diversify assessment is able to bring a clear understanding of the students progression and metacognition of lessons.

Formative Assessment can be as dynamic as the student you are working with in. This website edutopia.org has a number of ideas for teaching, learning and assessment. This Edutopia PDF explains the many ways in which a student maybe Formatively Assessed with non traditional testing. This can provide an Education Professional insight into the students understanding and learning of the lesson.

Modern Education Professionals are keenly aware of anxiety and the negative affect on the student. Being mindful of this knowledge is key when assessing and levelling learners.

The TPACK.org model used along with diversified teaching and learning strategies will support a student as they progress through the Education System, building the foundation for later learning that includes the ability to plan, sequence and set goals. It will give them the tools that motivate them towards taking action, self reflect and even modify strategies.

The ultimate goal of Education is create critical thinkers that have a passion for life long learning. For a young student to mature into a social human capable of contributing to their community.

Friday, December 9, 2016

There are many ways a Blog can support Student learning. Listed below are some of the ways an app like Blogger can help an Education Professional and a Student participate in an Universal Design Learning experience.

We know technology is a part of modern education and the use of it is second nature to the modern Student and their generation. As Educators it is imperative that Teachers connect with Students in a way that speaks to the Students inner core and spark imagination.

There are many ways a Blog can support the UDL movement, here are a few;

Students can subscribe to a Blog, so they will get the latest lesson without having to look for it.

Blogging may be used by most Education Professionals to bring forth a lesson.

With a blog you can give directions for the work to be done for the lesson.

With a blog you can live link a website and integrate a video that supports the lesson.

Play this short video below for an introduction to Blogging.

Also so important to remember that students themselves can build their own Blog as a way of Formative or Summative Assessment. Blogging is may also be used for collaborative communications and group work. Blogging may gain the Students attention while encouraging independence and creativity to think outside of the box.

While researching Blogs I also came across 2 educational sites that support and explain all the ways Blogs may be used in the classroom, by both Teachers and Students.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Educators have for some time now seen the value of this format as an effective way to educate and help support a creative and self-regulated learner.

Click the links below to discover all the ways Blogs support learning.

Blogging is dynamic and would be suitable for most areas of the curriculum from Math to Language, Science and even used to present a lesson in Movement.

The use of Blogging is an App that most Students would benefit from as a learning tool. A Blog may be simple or complex, making it suitable for communicating to all ages.

With all of its capabilities when used to its fullest potential Blogs are a wonderful example of how to bring a UDL lesson to the class.

In communications it is important to know your audience, in this case the Student. A Blog can speak to them with the written word, images, audio and video. Helping a Student to be motivated and engaging them.

The best thing about Blogging is once a Student has discovered and learned how to create or learn from a Blog, it will become a tool they may use throughout their entire Educational experience and beyond. Once familiar with this valuable tool the life long learner, as a participant in society may then integrate Blogging into their personal and professional lives, then use it as a powerful communication tool with their passions and in their community.

About Me

I have had extraordinary opportunities to research, design & implement everything from new technologies to new business models.
Working with and creating companies such as Visionworks, 3DB and OnLineLiveTV.
I was nominated for the Canadian WebBlog Awards 2012 for my success as a writer. Most recently I managed a Political Campaign.
As a Performer I have Modelled for Runway, Photography, Make-up & Hair. Appeared in Commercials, PSAs, MOWs, Film, Television and Personal Development DVDs. Sung for Concert Choirs, Radio & Voice Over Recordings. Danced, Moved Creatively for Flash Mobs & Parades.
My Formal Education includes; Art History, Modern Art, Music History, Philosophy, Psychology, Womens Issues, Public Speaking, Creative Writing, Scriptwriting, Publishing and Photo Journalism. I have additional formal training in Feng Shui, Multiple Intelligence, Democratic Education, Early Intervention & Reading Recovery.
My Corporate experience includes Branding, Communications, Marketing, Media, Office Management, Project Management, Public Relations, Social Marketing, Special Events, Special Projects - research, design, implementation, Video Production and Writing